Wearing Black in Summer: A How-To
Black has become an unlikely mainstay in our summer wardrobes, and for good reason. Here’s how to wear black now (and stay cool)
By: Amy FalconerRead more
Wearing Black in Summer: A How-To
Black has become an unlikely mainstay in our summer wardrobes, and for good reason. Here’s how to wear black now (and stay cool)
By: Amy FalconerAlthough common sense might deem wearing black in summer a sartorial no-go – the light-and-heat-absorbing hue an unnecessary recipe for making hot afternoons hotter – don’t write the shade off just yet. Black returns as an in-the-know warm-weather staple, exuding understated elegance and the epitome of fuss-free week-to-weekend styling. What to focus on? Floaty silhouettes, easy-to-style wardrobe staples, and breathable fabrics. For the sceptic, here’s Liberty’s case for wearing black this summer.
Take It Slow
For beach-to-bar style with flair, try a printed dress in a mermaid silhouette like the Rat & Boa Vespa Maxi Slip Dress. The semi-sheer fabric keeps things breezy, while the bold print is a solid first-stab for those still unsure. Otherwise, the simplest gateway into wearing black in summer is to start with swimwear – try Hunza G’s Clara Swimsuit with its flattering one-shoulder silhouette and gold hoop detail, for an effortlessly flattering poolside look. Similarly, black accessories can help anchor your summer wardrobe and bring some depth to those colourful, raffia filled suitcases.
Shop NowSusamusa
Raine Polka-Dot Mini Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Anya Hindmarch
Macrame Fish Clutch Bag
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
FAITHFULL
Jacie Polka-Dot Mini Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
RIXO
Marcela Satin Lace Trousers
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
RIXO
Amari Beth Check Midi Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Liberty
Iphis Romilly Mini Clutch Bag
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Style a Matching Set
Co-ords are a must for year-round fuss-free styling but are especially useful during the summer months – and a black co-ord is endlessly versatile and polished. Just one matching set can offer multiple options for air-conditioned offices and post-work evenings in the city alike. Worn together, this Paloma Wool set is at once chic and practical all-black look, which would look even better with stacked jewellery and a statement shoe. Then, style the top with crisp white denim and sandals, and the trousers with a simple tank top and trainers. Easy does it.
Shop NowPeachy Den
Deba Black Top
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Loewe
Panta Medium Flamenco Clutch Bag
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Peachy Den
Deba Black Midi Skirt
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Caspar the Label
Black Pearly Trousers
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Astley Clarke
18ct Gold-Plated Polaris Black Onyx Locket Bracelet
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
RIXO
Marcela Satin Lace Trousers
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Make it Pop
While an all-black outfit always delivers polished elegance, introducing flashes of unexpected detail is an effective way to disrupt monochrome looks. A versatile black top is a day-to-day must, and an effortless way to inject personality into tonal looks. Comfortable, easy and effortlessly elevated, a simple shorts and a nice top outfit sometimes can’t be beat.
The glimmering buttons on Caspar The Label's Black Poet Cap-Sleeve Shirt brings a bit of romance to a wearable staple, and the styling options are endless. For an easy weekend look, wear it with a simple pair of linen trousers, or dress it up with a a midi skirt. Plus, turn to Liberty bags for a joyful outfit finisher.
Loewe
x Paula's Ibiza Drawstring Pocket Bag
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Acne Studios
Black Sprayed Logo T-Shirt
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Lizzie Fortunato
Gold-Plated Organic Hoop Earrings
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Away That Day
Cannes Black-Ivory Pyratex Swimsuit
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Vivienne Westwood
Black Monday Vest
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Roksanda
Black Vala Single-Shoulder Top
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Easy Breezy
When styling black in the heat, paying attention to fabrics is a must. Lightweight silk, linen and ultra-thin cotton are ideal, and help to bring a summery feel to your black outfits. Another useful trick is to choose roomy silhouettes that leave a little breathing space, to prevent any unpleasant clinging, like this Faithfull La Cala Polka-Dot Midi Dress. Simply add woven sandals and a basket bag, and you’ve got the perfect summer look. For something more evening-ready, opt for Matteau's Black Empire Frill Midi Dress.
Shop NowRat & Boa
Evelina Black Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Hunza G
Hybrid Nancy Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Toteme
Black Scoop-Neck Sablé Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Rat & Boa
Sisley Black Jacquard Mini Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Susamusa
Jasmine Mini Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Dries Van Noten
Debant Dress
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.